top of page
Search

Documentary photo gallery - Street cats of Thailand

  • Writer: Martyn Hayes
    Martyn Hayes
  • May 9
  • 2 min read
A ginger cat sits on a beach patio with umbrellas and chairs in the background. Text: "Street cats of Thailand" and website link.

Picture the bustling streets of Thai cities like Bangkok, filled with vibrant markets, tempting street food stalls, and the constant hum of scooters weaving through traffic. Now, imagine the litter on the beaches, with empty booze bottles left after a wild night. Sadly, this is the reality many stray cats in Thailand face.


You’ll often spot soi cats all over Thailand, especially in cities and near the many temples scattered around. These cats have become a familiar part of the scene, and lots of locals feed them as a kind gesture.


While this kindness helps cats get by in tough surroundings, it also leads to more strays. With not many affordable spay and neuter options around, kittens are born on the streets each year, keeping a cycle going that's hard to stop.


Scroll down to view a photo documentary on street cats in Thailand


While traveling around Thailand, I made some furry friends. Being a cat lover, I just couldn't resist stopping to say hi to these adorable creatures.


With my camera ready, I snapped candid shots of them, capturing their everyday lives and surroundings. This photo project turned into a way to share their stories, showcasing both their resilience and the tough urban environments they deal with. Through my lens, I wanted to highlight their struggles and hopefully inspire some compassion and action to help improve the lives of stray animals across Thailand.

Three cats on a sidewalk; one tabby eats while two others watch. Background shows plants, motorcycles, and a "Free Home Delivery" sign.
White cat with orange spots sits on a sunlit path in front of a house. Green trees and a colorful mural adorn the background.
Tabby cat drinks from a water pot with a pink lotus, set against a red wall and dark stairs, creating a calm, vibrant scene.
A curious kitten with white fur and dark spots walks on a mat in a dim, cluttered setting with muted colors and a woven basket in the back.
Calico cat eating on a street with colourful signs in the background. Pedestrians and scooters visible, creating a lively urban scene.
Orange cat sitting on a paved beach path, looking back. Blue umbrellas and lounge chairs line the sandy, sunny shore in the background.
Two cats on a sidewalk: a brown one eats while a black one with a white patch looks on. A cardboard box and metal shutters in the background.
White cat sits beside a red box on a street with colorful food banners. An orange truck is parked nearby. Calm atmosphere.
Cat sitting near a blue bowl under a "Free Home Delivery" sign. Background has pipes and potted plants, creating an urban feel.

How to support stray cats in Thailand


To support animals in Thailand, consider donating to the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). This organization focuses on the welfare and rehabilitation of stray and community animals, aiming to reduce their suffering through CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccination, and Release). Visit their website for information on how donations and volunteering impacts their work.


Like what you see?


Did you like this gallery of photos of street cats in Thailand? Explore this website for more photography from yours truly from around the world. Be sure to share this gallery with others and leave a comment below.

Comments

Let's get social
  • LinkedIn - Martyn Hayes
  • X - Martyn Hayes
  • YouTube - Martyn Hayes
  • Flickr - Martyn Hayes
  • Instagram - Martyn Hayes
  • Pinterest - Martyn Hayes
Martyn Hayes - Comms & Photography expert logo
bottom of page